Hypno Hounds!

By Michael Broad

The intrepid Agent Amelia is back in three more howlingly hilarious stories, as she saves the world from yet more evil geniuses! The three secret agent case files in this book are:

The Case of the Hypno Hounds, in which a pack of dogs are menacing the cottage where Amelia and her mom go on vacation. Could there be a connection with the local animal shelter? Trust Amelia to foil the dastardly plan!

The Case of the Sneaky Scientist, in which Amelia sees the new chemistry teacher buying amazing amounts of cereal. Whatever can he be up to? Luckily Agent Amelia is ready to counter any wicked schemes he may be stirring up.

The Case of the Turbo Teddies, in which remote-controlled, roller-skating teddies are the latest toy craze. But when Amelia goes to buy one, all the teddies in the latest shipment have disappeared, and someone is pickpocketing the customers! Amelia is soon after the psychotic criminal behind it all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing
• Release date: Aug 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781467764056

Michael Broad

Michael Broad lives in Surrey, England. He studied illustration at Portsmouth University and now works solely on writing and illustrating books for children of all ages.

Book preview

Files.

During the summer, Mom rented a cottage in the country for a whole week. I was really looking forward to the calm and quiet. I saw it as a secret-agent vacation. A break from saving the world.

Well, that was the plan….

As Mom drove along the winding country roads, I noticed that we hadn’t seen another person for miles. As we passed through the village, it seemed deserted. I frowned over my sunglasses. The countryside was a bit too calm and quiet.

In the front yard of Bevil Cottage, I put down my suitcase and looked up at the sign.

"Why is it called Bevil Cottage?" I wondered aloud.

Probably the name of the original owner or something, Mom suggested and continued up the path.

Hmmm, I said. Bevil didn’t sound like a real name to me. You have to be suspicious when you’re a secret agent—even when you’re on vacation.

I whipped out my magnifying glass and held it up to the sign and found the B in Bevil was newly painted. I could still see the old paint beneath. The B had been a D. The real name of the place we were staying was Devil Cottage!

When I caught Mom, she was at the cottage door speaking to a woman who seemed surprised to see us. She was wearing an apron, which made me think this was probably the housekeeper.

… and you didn’t get my letter? she said. The one telling you not to come?

Mom shook her head, and I narrowed my eyes over my sunglasses.

Then I think you’d better come in, sighed the woman.

The housekeeper, Ms. Bloom, explained that people were fleeing the village out of sheer terror. She’d sent a letter last week urging us not to come for our own safety.

Why? Mom and I said together.

Because the DEVIL DOGS have returned! she gasped dramatically.

What’s a devil dog? I asked. Mom’s teacup rattled nervously in her saucer.

Legend tells of giant beasts who once roamed this area, whispered Ms. Bloom. They stood as tall as a man, with massive teeth and big yellow eyes the size of dinner plates!

Mom’s eyes were pretty wide too as she lapped up the story. I wasn’t convinced.

"Have you actually seen one of these devil dogs?" I asked casually.

Well, not exactly, said Ms. Bloom. "But I’ve heard